Sharing Jesus with your Jewish friend

You are an evangelical wanting to share the gospel with your Jewish friend.

Last year, you invited them to the carol service at Christmas, but they didn’t want to come. In January, you tried again to open a conversation about Jesus at the water cooler, and they shut you down with the answer, 'But I’m Jewish; this is not for me!'

What can you do to help your Jewish friend understand that the gospel is for them? First, start with empathy and understanding. Recognise that for many Jewish people, their faith and cultural identity are deeply intertwined. Conversations about Jesus may feel threatening, as if you're asking them to abandon their heritage.

Instead of arguing, affirm their identity: 'I respect your Jewish faith and the rich traditions that come with it. I also believe Jesus—Yeshua—is a part of your story too.' This simple acknowledgment can soften resistance and open the door to deeper conversations.

Second, focus on finding common ground. Begin by discussing the shared roots of Christianity and Judaism. For example, you might say, 'I believe the Hebrew Scriptures; the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings are foundational to my faith.'

Highlight that Jesus was Jewish and that His teachings were firmly rooted in the Jewish tradition: 'Yeshua celebrated the Jewish feasts and read the Hebrew Scriptures. When I read about Jesus, I see someone who fully embraced what it means to be Jewish.'

Reframe conversations by presenting Jesus as the fulfilment of Jewish hopes and prophecies. Many Jewish people view Jesus as a figure for Gentiles, not someone who is part of their story.

Help bridge this gap by sharing prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures that point to the Messiah: 'One passage that really strikes me is Isaiah 53. It talks about someone who would suffer for others and bring healing through His wounds. Have you ever thought about this description of the Messiah?'

Alternatively, you might ask: 'Psalm 22 describes in incredible details what happened to Yeshua. I’d love to hear your perspective on these passages.' In Traditional Judaism the idea of a suffering Messiah is alien—it grasps hold of a victorious Messiah but not one that suffers, so these questions get to the heart of the issue.

In addition, personal stories can make a significant impact. Share testimonies of Jewish believers who found Jesus to be the promised Messiah or share your own journey in a way that connects with them. For example, 'I recently read about a Jewish man who came to believe in Yeshua as the Messiah. He said it wasn’t about losing his Jewish identity but finding its fullest meaning. Have you ever heard of people like that?'

Our own experiences can also be powerful: 'In my life, knowing Jesus has brought me into relationship with God. I wasn’t born a Christian, but when I discovered who Jesus is I began to appreciate the Hebrew Scriptures.'

Finally, practice patience and prayer. Faith conversations take time. Show your love and respect for your friend consistently, even if they’re not ready to engage deeply.

Pray for opportunities and wisdom. You might say, 'I care about you, and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk about these things more.'

Above all, we must remember that our role isn’t to convince but to plant seeds, trusting God to do the rest. So let us approach our Jewish friends with humility, respect, and love, and let our actions reflect the gospel’s beauty.